This 1973 Ford Thunderbird is one of those rare time-capsule cars that has been properly stored, eautifully maintained, nd just plain loved all its life. It's like the elderly guy next door who only backs it out of the garage long enough to polish the chrome and maybe go to the store, hen carefully tucks it away until he needs it again. And that's exactly the kind of car you want to own if you're a fan of survivors.We're frankly shocked by how nice this car is. As far as we can determine, hat's original white paint on the bodywork, nd it's remarkably well-preserved. Not only is it still shiny, ut it has very few signs of use aside from one or two very minor marks that are due to age as much as anything else. Of course, ou already realize that the sheetmetal underneath is original and in exceptional condition, ith doors that close effortlessly and gaps that are just where the factory put them more than 40 years ago. You can tell at a glance that this 'Bird is more closely related to the Lincoln Mark IV than to the small, ersonal luxury coupes of the past, ut it's imposing and substantial, ot some cheap car, nd for that, his '73 will probably land on future collectors' wish lists. The vinyl top is beautifully preserved with no rips or fading, he chrome sparkles, nd all the plastic lenses are bright and clear. If we didn't know better, e'd think this car was 2 years old, ot 42.That vibe continues inside where the white vinyl upholstery is very well preserved. For 1973, he colors are appropriate and the thick carpets define the era, ut there's 1970s luxury everywhere you look. A split bench feels more like buckets and makes for an all-day comfortable highway cruiser and for a personal luxury car, he back seat is bigger than most sedans built today. A sporty instrument panel with round dials tries to recapture some of the T-Bird's sporting mojo, ut things like the wood paneling and long list of luxury options says this is pure luxury car. The A/C blows cold and still uses R12 refrigerant, he power windows move smoothly, nd the AM/FM stereo radio still sounds decent. Even the massive trunk is fully upholstered and includes what might just be the original spare tire and jack assembly.Big block power was still on the menu in 1973, nd this Thunderbird packs Ford's biggest, 460 cubic inch V8 topped by a 4-barrel carburetor. There's no doubt that this is the car's original engine and it runs the way great survivors do: smooth and polished. The engine bay is nicely maintained and needs little more than a deep cleaning to be ready for preservation-class judging. Ford Blue engine enamel looks great and only routine maintenance items have been changed, hich is definitely a good thing. It starts easily and purrs smoothly through a new dual exhaust system with X-pipe and mellow-sounding mufflers, nd the C6 3-speed automatic shifts almost seamlessly. The suspension is cushy and smooth, ust like you remember, nd with tall 2.73 gears out back, t's still a great car for getting away for a weekend. Stock hubcaps are a simple, lean look and it rolls on narrow whitewall radials for a period-perfect look.Survivors are red hot, nd this car delivers everything that makes all-original cars special. You probably won't find a better example and it's only a matter of time before these become the next big thing. Call today!